It is with sadness and respect that we must report the passing of Italian judoka Nicola Tempesta, leaving us on 20th February 2021, at the age of 85.

Mr Tempesta was a heavyweight by category and also metaphorically, being a member of a special generation of Italian trailblazers, bringing the Japanese sport into Europe and into the public eye.

Two years ago Mr Tempesta was awarded the grade of 9th dan, never presented lightly and in his honest and charismatic way he accepted it with anecdotes and stories that most of us could only dream of, talking of judo legends and occasions that shore up the foundations of Italian, European and world judo.

The IJF send the family and friends of Nicola Tempesta their heart-felt condolences and thank him for his contribution to our sport. He leaves behind his loving wife Elvira and their 4 children.

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